The Anti-Vehicle Crime Association of Minnesota (AVCAM) is a non-profit organization formed to prevent vehicle crime through community awareness and education. Our members come from law enforcement, insurance companies and other organizations and businesses interested in preventing vehicle crime. AVCAM has no paid staff and operates solely with member volunteers. The AVCAM message is clear and succinct: Lock Your Car. Take Your Keys. Prevent A Theft.

Four Things Car Thieves Love To See

1. Easy targets.

2. Popular late-model cars.

3. Cars with no visible, activated alarm system.

4. Electronics and their tell-tale cords.

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The Layered Approach to Protection

Layer 1 - Common Sense

The common sense approach to protection is the simplest and most cost-effective way to thwart would-be thieves. Secure your vehicle even if parking for brief periods.

You should always:

Remove your keys from the ignition
Lock your doors /close your windows

Park in a well-lit area

Layer 2 - Warning Device

The second layer of protection is a visible or audible device that alerts thieves that your vehicle is protected. Popular second layer devices include:

Audible alarms
Steering column collars
Steering wheel/Brake pedal lock
Brake locks
Wheel locks

Tire locks/Tire deflators
Theft deterrent decals
Identification markers in or on vehicle
Window etching
Micro Dot Marking

Layer 3 – Immobilizing Device

The third layer of protection is a device that prevents thieves from bypassing your ignition and hot-wiring the vehicle.

Some electronic devices have computer chips in ignition keys. Other devices inhibit the flow of electricity or fuel to the engine until a hidden switch or button is activated.

Popular third layer devices include:

Smart keys
Fuse cut-offs
Kill switches

Starter, ignition and fuel disablers
Wireless, ignition authentication

Layer 4 – Tracking Device

The final layer of protection is a tracking device that emits a signal to police or a monitoring station when the vehicle is stolen. Tracking devices are very effective in helping authorities recover stolen vehicles. Some systems employ "telematics" which combine GPS and wireless technologies to allow remote monitoring of a vehicle. If the vehicle is moved the system will alert the owner and the vehicle can be tracked via computer.